Kathmandu, Nepal, March 27, 2026: A new political chapter began in Nepal as Prime Minister Balen Shah officially took the oath of office and secrecy, marking the formal start of his tenure along with his newly formed cabinet. The oath-taking ceremony was administered by President Ram Chandra Paudel at Shital Niwas.
Breaking from traditional formats, this ceremony incorporated cultural elements such as blessings recited by a batuk and mangala chanting by a Lama, reflecting inclusivity and a new style of public leadership.
The 15-member cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shah, includes key appointments across vital sectors:
Prime Minister Balen Shah – also overseeing Defense and Industry
Swarnim Wagle – Finance
Sudhan Gurung – Home Affairs
Shishir Khanal – Foreign Affairs
Sunil Lamsal – Physical Infrastructure, Transport, and Urban Development
Virajbhakta Shrestha – Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation
Khadkaraj Paudel (Ganesh) – Tourism
Sasmita Pokharel – Education, Science & Technology, and Youth & Sports
Nisha Mehta – Health and Population
Vikram Timilsina – Communications
Pratibha Rawal – General Administration
Deepak Sah (Mahottari) – Labor
Sowita Gautam – Law
Sita Wadi – Women, Children, and Social Security.
Political analysts note that the new cabinet has raised public expectations for effective governance, transparency, and meaningful reforms. The government now faces the task of converting promises into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.
Reflecting the public sentiment, many citizens commented, “Everyone makes promises, but the real measure of a government is the change we see in our lives.”
As the new administration takes charge, the coming months will be crucial in defining its credibility and ability to deliver on the hopes of the people.
